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International Air Transport Association (IATA) has signed a declaration aimed at reducing the illegal trafficking of wildlife and underlining the aviation industry’s commitment to sustainability.

The aviation organization says the interconnected air transport network is being exploited by criminal gangs to smuggle animals or their products from the killing field to the market place.

IATA says the industry can help stop this trade by providing additional intelligence to enforcement authorities about suspicious shipments.

"I can think of few other causes that galvanize more interest and support across the global transport and logistics sectors than the challenge of wildlife trafficking, said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General & CEO.

The ‘United For Wildlife’ initiative, created by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, invited representatives of the transport industry to Buckingham Palace to pledge their support.

IATA, Airports Council International, the African Airlines Association and a number of individual airlines signed commitments aimed at raising awareness of the trafficking issue among passengers and training staff to recognize and report suspicious packages and behaviour.

The initial focus of action will be on the trafficking of high-risk protected animals, specifically certain big cats, pangolins and ivory products on high-risk routes, particularly originating from or transiting through East Africa.

"Today marks a step forward for environmental protection - a commitment that we take very seriously. We will collaborate in support of government enforcement authorities to put an end to this evil trade," said Tyler.